Friday, December 30, 2011

Didn't get those Christmas Cards out this year? Want to still give a greeting that celebrates the birth of our Savior? Email me -- use the "email Kelly" link -- and get a PDF file of a card celebrating the Epiphany of Our Lord. Print it off, fold it twice, stick it in an invitation envelope if you'd like, and you're good to go! The inside of the card contains the antiphon of the Magnificat for the Feast of the Epiphany.

For those of you who already got it last year (or the years before) nothing's changed...although you might've accidentally deleted it. :-)

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Although largely forgotten today, Dr. Horatio Robinson Storer (1830-1922) was one of the most influential figures of the 19th century. He made large contributions to gynecology and abdominal surgery and substantial contributions to natural history, sanitation, and numismatics. However, the accomplishments of Dr. Storer that are remembered today, and the ones for which he most wished to be remembered, were related to the suppression of unnecessary intentional abortion.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

I live in an African American neighborhood. For Christmas, I'd like to see an end to the "N" word. I don't care if you're black. You're not entitled to us it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have been hurt by that very, very, ugly word? No? Well, learn about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

I often walk through "gay" neighborhoods. (Boston, in fact, is a very small town.) For Christmas, I'd like to see an end to the "Q" word. I don't care if you're attracted to the same gender as yourself. You're not entitled to use it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have been hurt by that very, very, ugly word? No? Well, learn about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

Italian neighborhoods are great. But for Christmas, I'd like to see the end of the "D" word. I don't care if you're Italian. You're not entitled to use it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have been hurt by that very, very, ugly word? No? Well, learn about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

I'm a heterosexual, and as such, I would greatly appreciate NOT being called—even in jest—a "breeder" by friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. I don't care if you think it's funny. You're not entitled to use it and I hope you stop. Do you realize how many people have tried to have babies and could not, and have therefore been very, very hurt by that word? No? Well, think about it and shut the bleep up before using it.

I'm a Catholic. And while I would rather you didn't trash my religion? I can take it. In fact, my religion helps me forgive all of the above.

And just to assure you that I'm not totally crass, it might be a good time for you, um, well endowed folks to consider consulting an accounting firm before the year closes...you know, like, yeah, like charitable donations and such...yeah, that's right! :-)

But wait! Uh...something in the mix is missing here and it's pretty much the elephant in your living room and my parlor, and that is:

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH!

Sorry for the yelling, but I did feel the need to wake some folks up. Now I'm talking about the Archdiocese of Boston here, yet I've a feeling this is true throughout the Roman Catholic Church. Again:

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH!

Yes, indeed, they're baptized in Catholic churches, married in Catholic churches, and, may they rest in peace, buried out of Catholic churches.

But most Catholics don't participate—not one iota—in the Sunday celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

(Which—pssst—is a deadly, read "mortal" sin. Got that? Sure? Then say it with me: "deliberately eschewing Mass on Sundays and Holy Days is a mortal sin." Now then, what happens when one dies with the stain of mortal sin on his or her soul? You already know what happens.)

What has this do with the NEM-NEP syndrome?

Well, pretty much everything, or nearly so. If there's only a few folks in the pews, there's only a few bucks in the collection plate. That's the earthly reality. I mean, you don't expect folks who think nothing of dissing their Sunday and Holy Day obligations to—what?—send their contributions via Western Union or PayPal, do you?

And if there's a shortage of priests, then what are you expecting? Father Whosis to come to your bedside when you're sick and anoint you? Or to your deathbed to hear your confession?

Those days are gone, my friend. 'Course, most priests will drive themselves ragged to do just that…but the word "most" means "many" and there aren't many priests. It's that simple. Why is that, do you suppose? My guess?

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH!

Which means their children don't either, more than likely. And how does one expect a child to discern a possible vocation when he's deprived of the glorious experience of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?

Anyway, screw the NEM-NEP syndrome for a moment and reflect on this horrible situation—far more horrible than a lack of finances or manpower:

MOST CATHOLICS DON'T GO TO CHURCH…and, ergo, most Catholics are endangering their souls.

Here's my point:

("Thank goodness, Kelly, it took you long enough!")

My weakness, and I apologize. And I also beg you, while the powers that be at the Archdiocese of Boston and their counterparts throughout the world struggle to manage the earthly affairs of their parishes:

Pray a Catholic back to the Church.

Adopt one, spiritually. At random, or a particular one you've got in mind. Devote your morning and evening prayers to the reconciliation of a fallen Catholic—yep, that's a phrase you can still use—and, even better, include this reconciliation in your Mass intentions.

And spread the word!

Ask your friends and family members to "adopt-a-fallen-Catholic" via prayer. Sheesh, I get at least six or seven email notes a day asking me to forward some wacky joke. Surely, it's within the realm of possibility to personally ask your spouse, your best friend, your sibling, your parish priest, your favorite nun (nuns are a really good bet, trust me) or anyone in your circle to participate in this project. God, I assure you, listens to prayers far more than He listens to the minutes of a Committee Meeting. (Meaning no disrespect to those who Sit On Committees or Those Who Submit Minutes of same.)

So c'mon! While the folks running the earthly Church do whatever it is they're doing to combat the NEM-NEP syndrome, let's do ours.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

A friend o' mine—and one I consider a very good friend—posted an unthinkingly unkind post today on Facebook and, while I forgive him and love him dearly, it made me think about a lot o' myths that people seem to cling to. Especially about religion.

And so, here then, is a brief primer that explodes ridiculous prejudices about religion.

Let's start with the obvious (to me, anyway) since my friend who inspired this is a born Muslim.

Not true. Most imams really do preach peace. Don't tell me I'm wrong...I've heard many and have known, and do know, many members of Islam. Yes indeed, it was fanatic Muslims who attacked America (which happens to be my country so I'm a little more than interested) and yes, indeed, it may well have been fanatic Muslims who murdered Coptic Christians a few days ago in Egypt (and I've a friend who's a Coptic Christian and so I'm a little more than interested) but still. It's a myth. The vast majority of imams do not preach "terrorism against The Infidel." And don't tell me about the Koran. Check out the Old Testament if you're interested in discovering violence.

Nah. While yes, a few hundred years ago, Hindu wives willingly allowed themselves to be burned after the death of their husbands, nobody—except perhaps Hindu society's societal niceties coupled with their own desires—forced them to.

Myth: "All Jewish Leaders Killed Christ!"

Sheesh. Nope. My sins and yours did the deed, and Jesus was perfectly willing to go along. This one always bemuses me, since I know Jews who are more Christian than many Catholics are.

Myth: Atheists "Are Evil People"

Wrong again. Atheists are, perhaps, unfortunate, but they're not "evil." In fact, atheists have a harder time than most, in my opinion, to seek goodness because they're on their own. No God to guide them? That's gotta be really tough, but I know many unbelievers who manage to do the right thing.

I've saved the most odious "myth" for last, and do you know why? Why, I'll tell you!

These days, and for quite a while now, nobody in the PC world would dare to repeat the above myths among the Beautiful People. I didn't really have to come to the defense of Islam, Hinduism, Israel, or atheism. C'mon. Today, any negative comment about the above groups would be considered "hate speech." Sheesh, I might be jailed for doing so!

Still, I meant what I wrote. Myths about religions abound.

But you know? There's only one group that's still fair game for the mythology game. And so I bring you:

Catholicism...The Last Permissible Victim of Bigotry.

Myths—politically correct ones, to be sure—about Catholicism abound...'way too many to blog about here. But here's the one that got my ire up today:

Monday, October 31, 2011

If I don't miss my guess—and, eschewing false modesty, I generally don't—my thought is that my good friend, Father Dennis Brown, OMV, is not only shivering with excitement at the November 1 Feast...he's actually begun to celebrate it.

Father Dennis is one of those very blessed people who understand—who know within his very heart and gut—that the saints are, besides Jesus and Mary, our very best friends.

When he served in Boston at Saint Francis Chapel, the "optional memorial" of any given saint—any of them—was not an option at all.

Father Dennis, I do believe, would pretty much take it as a personal affront if Saint-Whoever-Heard-of-This-Guy wasn't honored at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

It's just the way he is. He not only loves all saints, but considers them personal friends of his.

And so they are. And of yours and of mine as well.

Father Dennis' resume includes, I believe, a stint at a participant in the Congregation for Cause of
Saints. What does this mean to me personally?

It made his a great confessor. Stern? No doubt about it. This man never refuses to call a sin...well, a sin.

But he also was and no doubt still is, God's instrument of hope. "Saints are sinners who kept trying" is a favorite admonition of his. As is, "Nunc Coepi" ("Now I begin!")...a favorite saying of his order's founder, Venerable Brunu Lanteri.

And so, as we celebrate all the saints, it's my great privilege to ask Our Lord to bless this good priest...a friend who not only introduced to me saints I'd never heard of, but more important? To rely on our "great cloud of witnesses" to pray for me...not just when I'm in a jam, but always.

Happy All Saints Day, Father Dennis! May you one day be a part of these great folks. (And don't worry...if you screw up? Nunc Coepi! ;-)

Father Dennis Brown, O.M.V., lives and works in the diocese of Lansing and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He regularly hosts retreats focusing on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, and also facilitates the formation of clergy and laity, especially in the discernment of the spirits.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The word “Mass” comes from
the Latin word MISSA (meaning sent or dismissed), a word that is spoken by the
deacon or priest as the assembly is dismissed: “Ite! Missa est!” (“Go! You are
dismissed!”)

The importance of this final
act of the Mass cannot be overlooked. It's not a “dismissal” as we might
normally think of that word: “Okay, you may go now.” Nor is it a punitive act
as when one is “dismissed” (i.e., "You're fired!) No, this dismissal is very different.

In a real sense, the new
Roman Missal changes the tone of the concluding rite. There is an urgency in
the words. It is less “you may go now” and more “you MUST go now to
proclaim what God has done for us here!” In slang, it might be “Go!
Scram! What are you still standing here for? Go and take what God has given us
here, and take it out to your workplaces, to your neighborhoods, to your
families, your friends, EVERYBODY!”

There are four options
for the deacon or priest to use. One is the simple “Go in peace.” We're familiar with that. There is also “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” Can you hear how the “Go
forth” conveys much of the sense of being sent?

This sense is also obvious in
the two remaining options, included at the command of Pope Benedict XVI. The
first of these is “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Say that out load and listen to yourself! It
can't be more explicit! We are sent out on mission—to announce the Gospel, to
be Christ’s witnesses, to work for the coming kingdom!

The remaining option for the
dismissal is just as beautiful: “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your
life.” Through what God has just done for us, and through what God has done to
us in this Eucharist, go, and by our lives—by how we live and act and treat
others and make decisions—by all of that, give glory to the Lord!

The Pew Lady's Conclusion

[thank goodness, Kelly...thought you'd never shut up!]

Hey, never mind that. Ahem:

Some people thrive on
change…lots of people hate it. Personally? I'm not all that into change myself. But whether you love change or avoid it...it’s always a challenge.

By the grace of God, we’re up
for it. Oh, sure, we’ll probably stumble a bit at the beginning. But, I’m
confident that sooner, rather than later, we’ll find that these new words we’ll
use at Mass will help us to elevate what is most important in our lives: our
holiness.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

One significant change in the
new Roman Missal is that the familiar acclamation “Christ has died. Christ is
risen. Christ will come again” will no longer be used as an acclamation to the
Mystery of Faith. The reason for this is that the three options given for the
acclamation are all addressed to the Lord (e.g., “We proclaim your Death, O
Lord…”). They all note our relationship to Christ’s Paschal Mystery (“When we
eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord…”). The
acclamation “Christ has died…” does not follow this form; so it was not
included in the options.

And you know, it makes sense. Yes, I understand that this is a favorite proclamation, but do remember that it's a proclamation, not an acclamation! Why on earth, when the Lord Jesus, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, is right here, right now, live and in Person, is present—really present!—right here with us, would we speak about Him as if He'd left the room?

It's a beautiful statement of our faith, and I do urge you to say it right out loud or in your hearts while you're walking down the street, driving, whenever...but not when Jesus is right here with you. Talk to Him...not about Him.

Also, instead of directing us to give the
acclamation (“Let us proclaim…”), the priest will simply announce, “The Mystery
of Faith,” acknowledging the reality that our acclamation is something that
wells up, without needing to be asked for.

The last noticeable change in
the Liturgy of the Eucharist will be the invitation and response to Holy
Communion. The priest will say, “Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes
away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the
Lamb.” There are two key allusions to scripture here: John the Baptist
identifying Jesus as the Lamb (John 1:29) and the angel’s declaration in
Revelation (19:9) regarding those “called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.”
Our response, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but
only say the word, and my soul shall be healed,” echoes the words of the
Centurion, who asked Jesus to heal his servant (Luke 7:6-7, Matthew 8:5-13). As
we are presented with the very Body and Blood of Christ, we are called to the
same, deep level of faith as the Centurion.

(By the way, do visit here, click on the word "here" in the lower right hand of the page, and download the new responses to the Mass.)

Friday, October 28, 2011

Our parish has been, for the past few Sundays, practicing that great
song of praise. I hope yours has been, too. Since we won’t be using it during Advent, the bishops gave us
permission to do so. The first part of the Gloria sounds slightly different:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people of good will.” This
is almost a direct quote from Luke’s Gospel as he describes the angels
rejoicing at the birth of Christ. And by the way, it’s a great example of how
the enhancements to the Mass echo what we find in scripture.

The Creed

The first change that we encounter in the Nicene Creed is
the changing of We to I—from the plural to the singular. This is not to
diminish our sense of community but is simply a more accurate translation of
the word Credo –“ I believe.” The reciting of the Creed is a communal act;,
however, each individual in the assembly is called upon to profess his or her
own faith just as he or she did in Baptism. Our individual profession is then
joined together with the profession of the whole assembly.

Next, the words “of all that is seen and unseen” will become
“of all things visible and invisible.” There is a difference between something
that is unseen and something that is invisible. Something may be unseen for a
number of reasons, including an obstacle in our line of vision. Something
invisible, however, is clearly unable to be seen with the naked eye, for
example, the saints and angels who occupy a place in our worship. They are not
just unseen but invisible.

The second part of the Creed, which deals with our beliefs
in Jesus Christ, has a number of changes in the new Roman Missal. Here are just
three:

* “consubstantial with the Father” –this replaces the phrase “one in being”
in describing the relationship between the Father and the Son. The early Church
labored intensely to find the correct words to define Jesus’ relationship with
the Father. Consubstantial, while an unusual word in English, means literally
“having the same substance,” which is more technically accurate than “one in
being.” Sure, it’s an unusual word, but then again it is describing
someone and something unusual and unique: Jesus Christ and his relationship
with the Father.

And I love this one! Every pro-lifer should!

* “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary”
– here, the word incarnate replacesborn. To be born describes the moment of birth. To be incarnate
describes the moment of conception: the Word became incarnate – became flesh –
in Mary’s womb.

Finally, instead of saying “we look for the resurrection”
we’ll say “I look FORWARD to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the
world to come.” Amen! This expresses not only our EAGERNESS for the
resurrection but our confidence that it will happen!

(Many thanks to Loyola Press and Mystical Bod, Mystical Voice for help on this!)

Thursday, October 27, 2011

It’s an “act,” rather than a “rite.” Calling it an “act”
more strongly conveys the reality of both our sins and our true sorrow for
them. One option for the act is the “Confiteor”—I confess to almighty God…). In
the new translation, we will admit that we have GREATLY sinned. And striking our
breasts, you and I will confess that we have sinned “though my fault, through
my fault, through my most grievous fault.” As you practice the enhanced
penitential act, and when we actually begin to use it, please God may the words
we say add to a more humble disposition as we prepare to celebrate the Mass.

For a downloadable PDF file of all the responses to the Mass, do go here and, in the lower right corner, click on the word "here."

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

On the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, the opening of
our new liturgical year, look forward to some changes in the words, music, and
gestures of the glorious miracle we know as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

It’s called the New Roman Missal, and it involves the folks
in the pews as it does our priests and deacons.

First, let’s dispense with what the New Roman Missal is NOT:

It’s NOT “something coming to us out of the blue.” This
particular version has, in reality, been a part of a prayerful process for some
40 years!

In fact, these changes—and I believe the correct term is
“enhancements”—represent a giant leap forward in our reverent and loving
worship of Almighty God: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Let’s start with the greeting.

The Mass isn’t a chance encounter between friends, and so
the greeting is no ordinary “Hiya, how are ya, anyway”/ “fine thanks, and you”
sort of thing. Rather, it a ritual greeting and response. When the priest
greets us with the words “The Lord be with you” we will respond “And with your
spirit.” We’re not saying “hi” to the priest, and he’s not saying “hi” to us.
We’re both going beyond that by extending a solemn wish to someone about to
undertake a profound undertaking. This exchange takes place at several critical
moments during the Mass: as we are about to hear the Gospel proclaimed; as we
enter into the Eucharistic Prayer; as we are about to be dismissed. Remember,
the name “spirit” refers not to the priest or deacon’s soul, but to the spirit
he received through the laying on of hands at his ordination.

This is going to be great! Next, God willing, the Penitential Act. (Note: I said "Act," not "rite." Stay tuned! And do try to find out all you can about this enhanced English translation...and by the way, watch out for "progressives" who turn out to be averse to change! ;-)

Saturday, October 15, 2011

For the last several days, we’ve been hearing a lot about the demonstrations being staged in lower Manhattan and around the country: Occupy (Fill in the Blank) – Occupy Wall Street, Los Angeles, Washington…thousands of people taking to the streets to express their frustration over the economy and anger at Wall Street. It remains to be seen how far the protests will go, or how long they’ll last. It’s unclear if they’ll even have any impact.

But the protests have reminded me of another demonstration — one that was very different from what we’re seeing on Evening News.

It happened 50 years ago last weekend, October 7th 1961, in the Polo Field at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. By one estimate, the crowd that day numbered 550,000 people. And like the people gathered on Wall Street these days, they were doing something countercultural, even radical, by demonstrating something almost unthinkable today.

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Hey Kelly, I'm having a hard time forgiving our roman catholic church for the continued and long history of child abuse. I do go to church lately, but I'm always reminded of the abuse of so many, and the protecting and transferring of these priest by Rome! I don't like to give money to my church any more, because of all the church funds that are used for law suits! How do you rectify all this and still believe out lord Jesus is still in charge of our church?

My answer:

Thank you for your note.

I spent much of the day wracking my head, trying to think of something Profound and Irrefutable to expound upon that would totally blow you away and convince you that being a Catholic is the Best Thing There Could Be...and came up empty.

As it happened, I needn't have busted what I laughingly call my brain. ;-)

First, I realized that today is the Memorial of Saint Faustina -- the little nun who promoted the endlessness of God's Divine Mercy.

Before Mass, I went to Confession...and was, once again, forgiven.

At Mass today, I heard in the first reading, the story of Jonah, God's mercy on Nineveh, and Jonah's being ticked off about it.

The Gospel centered on the Lord's Prayer..."forgive us, as we forgive those who sin against us."

During the homily, the priest mentioned that he'd programmed his phone to remind him every day at 3:00 PM -- the hour of Christ's death -- to pray the prayer Saint Faustina promoted: "Jesus, I trust in you."

I received Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

After Mass, I stayed for awhile and God gave me a beautiful gift...a treat for my eyes. I saw a lady walk slowly toward the tabernacle and, upon reaching it, sink to her knees in adoration and love.

I know that Jesus is still in charge of His Church because He left us Himself in the Blessed Sacrament...and because He told us He'd be with us, even until the end of time.

And I trust Him to do so.

I do hope this is somehow helpful, [person who wrote me]...you were in my prayers today and I look forward to praying for you some more. I ask for yours, whenever you get the chance.

Monday, October 03, 2011

Okay, I realize many Protestants hop on the words "call no man Father" yada yada yada. This argument is handled pretty much in this essay.

Only don't go there yet. Or if you do, please come back, especially if you're a Catholic because I'm talking to YOU.

Would you PLEASE stop addressing and/or talking about priests and religious by their first names?

Recounting of a recent fellow parishioner about something or other in the parish:

She: "And so Kevin said blah blah blah and Carlos answered blah blah blah and then Bob said blah blah blah to which Tanya said blah blah blah, and then Jonathan said blah blah blah, only then Joe said blah blah blah but then, Olga replied blah blah blah...

Me: "Huh? Who?"

Turns out my good friend was referring to several priests and sisters. Who knew?

Look, good people. The ordained — and religious as well — didn't go through a lot of stuff, only to be addressed by the guy who pumps your gas. By omitting their titles—titles conferred upon them by God—you're dumbing down the respect their office deserves. So please. Cut it out.

"But Kelly...my parish priest insists that I call him by his first name!"

Don't do it. Politely decline, if necessary. Pray for him, certainly. He may very well think that, by doing this, he's "coming closer" to his flock. Bah (forgive the pun). What he's in fact doing is relinquishing a precious bit of his authority as a pastor.

Address those called by God by their proper titles.

Save the first name bit for your physicians, senators, and presidents, if you must. (And iff they'll let you.)

Monday, September 26, 2011

It is also right and just to teach the folks in the pews the long awaited prayers of the Mass which are scheduled to begin, for English speaking congregations, on the First Sunday of Advent.

I am not to begin to be an "apologetic" for the changes in the Missal. They're great and long overdue.

What I'm wondering is simple: when the bleep are priests, in my Archdiocese anyway, going to help us get used to it? When Advent comes? After that? Next year? What?

I live in Boston.

Which is often called the "Hub of the Universe." It's also one of the largest center of Catholics in the United States.

Yet, I've still not heard one iota about "The New Missal" (and by the way, I'm starting to despise that term) from the churches and chapels I attend, which include The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Saint Francis Chapel, and the chapel at Massachusetts General Hospital (and it is only my good angel who is preventing me from linking to all).

There are some exceptions, I'm sure. I've found one. Our Lady of Victories Parish, in the South End, blessedly, is offering parishioners not just the new responses, but the Scriptural reasons behind the new and beautiful words.

But what I've heard from priests I know, when asked about the lack of education to the folks in the pews? Well, here's a sprinkling:

What "New Missal?"

The Archdiocese should take care of this.

We're busy with other important things.

This last one makes me cry. What in God's world could be more important than the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? What?

Saturday, September 03, 2011

I am constantly amazed by folks who think War is a game where there are somehow "rules" as to how the "game" is played. This is absurd.

An anti-war site "uncovered" [gasp!] an instance where [gasp!] innocent people were killed in War and are Outraged at this Heinous Crime. Here is my response to them, and to you:

~~~~~~

War is really bad. War destroys all sorts of people. Born and unborn. All creatures made in the image of God. This is what war does.

If it weren't so sad, I'd be amused by the term "war crimes." War IS a crime. Against humanity. Against God's children.

And you've gotta love the word "heinous." What the bleep does that mean? That sometimes killing is "un-heinous?" C'mon.

Folks. We're at war. You can't pick and choose, much as we'd all like to. War sucks. People die in wars. People don't merely die (after all, people die in hurricanes, volcanoes, car accidents, illness, old age, etc.) In war, people are killed by OTHER PEOPLE. People who, in my faith, are my brothers and sisters in Christ.

That's what war does. It kills people. Accept it.

But please don't come back to me and tell me that "some wars" are justified. I believe some wars are, but you folks who want to pick and choose "who gets killed and who doesn't"...forget about it. I don't want to hear from you because you are hypocritical, at best.

I also don't want to hear from you about our "WWII heroes," our "Korean War Heroes," nor do I want to hear from you about our "Revolutionary War" heroes. I don't want to see you celebrating Independence Day because there wouldn't BE an Independence Day if it weren't for War. (Wars which, in case you don't know, killed innocent people.)

I don't want to hear you extol Davy Crockett, General Patton, Bill Clinton, FDR, JFK, Barack Hussein Obama, or ANY American — including our troops now out there trying to save our sorry asses — because that would be hypocritical of you, too.

War makes otherwise decent people do indecent things. That's what War is all about. It's...horrible.

You have a choice. And, to their credit, some doves *have* made that choice. They have courageously condemned war under ANY circumstances. I respect those people tremendously.

These are people I'll listen to. But for the rest of you who want your cake and eat it too? Screw.

I don't want to listen to your "rules" about what's "fair" in War. Because contrary to the saying, nothing's "fair" in War. It's not a game. It's about killing each other.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Father Bob Lowrey, OMV, a priest at Saint Francis Chapel in Boston, hasn't celebrated Mass for quite a while, except as a concelebrant.

But he's beginning to do so again (and would no doubt chastise me soundly for even blogging about this but I have a feeling he'll never see it so I feel pretty safe) and this is unquestionable evidence -- as if we need it -- of God's love for His Church.

He is, to my mind, the perfect example of how priests should celebrate Mass while facing the congregation. I wish I could videotape him. Were I able to do so, I would beg the Pope to make the tape required viewing, a zillion times over, for every priest and seminarian.

How is this so?

For one thing, there's no "hi, how are ya" or "hey, have a great day" at either the beginning or end of the Holy Sacrifice. Father Bob epitomizes Father's Z's often quoted "read the black, do the red."I presume, for physical reasons, Father Bob doesn't give homilies anymore. Which, in a way, is too bad, because I remember vividly his ability to break open the Scriptures...stunningly.

But, in another way, it really doesn't matter.

Father Bob, with his impeccable determination to, like Saint John the Baptist, "decrease as the Lord increases," doesn't need words to preach the Gospel. His actions...or perhaps his inactions (he does nothing that isn't necessary to celebrate what is the most beautiful gift God has given us...the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) really do speak far louder than words.

In Persona Christi

I've known Father Bob for many years. I'd like to think we are friends. To converse with him is a joy.But when he's behind the altar at Mass, I forget all that. All I can concentrate on is the Blessed Trinity...and on the Sacrifice of Jesus taking place, right then and right now.The Lord has given us many gifts...not the least of which is Father Robert Lowrey, OMV.

And if anybody tells him I've blogged about him...I'll get even with you! :-)

Sunday, August 21, 2011

I just watched an interview with Archbishop Timothy Dolan by Morely Safer. I didn't really want to see it...call it a mood thing...but my husband thought it'd be interesting to me, so I did.

Sheesh, the Archbishop lovingly creamed Mr. Safer! When I grow up, I'd like to be like His Excellency.Affable, loving, and as strong as spun silver, Archbishop Dolan pulled absolutely no punches and captured the show for Catholicism...and for Christ.

I didn't realize it was a rerun, and planned to blog more about it, but hey, why should I when the able Tom Crowe did it 153 days ago!Read his post. You'll be glad you did.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Our wise old Church has discovered that if you will act as if you believed belief will be granted to you; if you pray with doubt, but pray with sincerity, your doubt will be dispelled; if you will surrender yourself to the beautify of that liturgy the power of which over the human spirit has been proved by the experience of the ages, peace will descend upon you.

--Father Ensheim to Larry in The Razor's Edge, a novel by W. Somerset Maugham

Good writer, Maugham. I've read this book several times, and some of his short stories -- Miss Thompson comes to mind -- but don't know much about him and don't really care to at this point so if you'd refrain from commenting about him I'd appreciate it.

I'd rather believe his words, given to the fictional Father Ensheim to the equally fictitious Larry Darnell, were somehow inspired by God...Who seems, for the moment, to have forsaken me.

I don't want to doubt. I love my God...who seems to have left me alone. Temporarily, one hopes. The only times, lately (and let's not get all dramatic about this...it's only happened within the past few days...or has it been months, sporadically spaced?) I've found solace is when I'm in the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and guess what? My life choices have made 24/7 Presence not exactly possible.

It's funny, really. And I mean funny, in a humorous way. Dark humor, no doubt, but still...wasn't it just last Sunday night that I pondered, with the help of the Pope's book Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week, Jesus crying out the words of Psalm 22? And smugly, if it must be confessed, completely understanding the fact that this most lovable, most adorable, God-made-Man was taking on Himself all of my fears, all of Israel's fears...all of my sins.

I have committed so many sins. Only a God could withstand them all.

Yes, I know that to deny God's merciful love is the greatest sin of all. Yet knowing that, how easy it is to fall into this denial.

I'm hanging on by my fingernails to prevent this fall. Intellectually, I know that God my Father knows this. 'Course, intellectually, I know that E=MC squared but am at a loss to explain it. Or to understand it.

I really don't like this.

Yet, what is my loneliness to compare with that of Jesus on the Cross? Nothing, I know that. Am I wallowing in self-pity? Indeed, I believe I am.

Yes, yes, I know about Mother Teresa, John of the Cross, all of them.

To put it bluntly: what have they to do with me? I'm no saint. I'm not a missionary, a thinker, a doctor of the Church.

But DAMMIT, I AM a child of God! Even I, like the Canaanite woman and her daughter, get, like the dogs, the scraps from the table of the saints. Or should.

Well, this selfish tirade (only it's not really a tirade...I'm too weary for that just now) has certainly gone on long enough. I plan to post this silly--very silly--blog, share it, perhaps...and hope.

Friday, August 05, 2011

The Jews, in Jesus' time, are and have been and no doubt will be criticized—and perhaps rightly so—for expecting a Messiah who would (a) expunge the enemies of the chosen people and (b) elevate Us Good Guys.

"My kingdom is not of this world," Our Lord said, countless times. We get it.

But "how long" for what? Do I anticipate eagerly the Second Coming of Christ in order to Banish All Those Evil People?

If so, I am not getting it.

After the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah, he was given the "keys to the Kingdom." Yet, moments later, while rebuking his Messiah for His determination to face the Cross, he was rebuked himself..."Get thee behind me, Satan!"

Maybe it's just me, and I pray that it is, but from what I hear and read from truly devout Christians? I doubt it. I think that sometimes we're like Mrs. Zebedee...asking, goaded on my our all too human perspective of creation, that our families, our friends, be given positions of "power" when the "Kingdom finally comes." And to hell with the rest of those nasty folk: the anti-Christians, the "cafeteria Catholics," the abortionists, and all those other sinners.

And that's all wrong.

First of all, the Kingdom is already here. Jesus proclaimed it. Second of all, it's "not of this world!"

So all of our lamentations, our grievances, our "hey, this is unfair" complaints? They're about as silly as those folks in the desert complaining about the taste of the manna.

The answer is Love.

No, I'm not talking about a Beatles song, or about ignoring evil. But what I've come to realize is quite simple: Jesus is Love, and as Love, is concerned with all of us...even, no actually especially, those people we humans, sometimes, long to see expunged.

Can we, do you think, take a furlough from our lofty seat of judgment? For example, can we, instead of writing frantic letters to the papal nuncio, take a moment to pray for the subjects of our letters (and, by the way, for the Nuncio as long as we're at it)? Can we quietly refrain from loudly announcing our intention to boycott thus and so retailer—yes, boycott it if we will, but quietly— and use the energy we would spent on organizing such a boycott to simply pray for the people we are boycotting? In other words, can we cut the crap about How Good We Are and spend some time praying for those who's actions offend our sensibilities?

We won't get much worldly notice for doing this.

But do we really give a bleep about "worldly notice?" What good, in the end, will that do us? His Kingdom is not of this world, after all.

(Generally I don't get this upset about things but when I'm asked to pay for some bone head -- offense definitely intended, Governor Patrick -- advocating kids and older females to commit something something heinous -- like killing a child, and, not incidentally, killing the mother's spirit as well -- well, heck, what can I say? I get ticked off.

By the way, you Latina and Latino amigos o' mine -- how do you feel about being USED to promote the destruction of your children? I mean, come on. Look at the "image" of "Maria." Look at what her "Aunt Lucia" says? Are you falling for this? You're being USED, friends.

The "procedure" that was promoted to reduce the population of African Americans -- and succeeded -- is now being used against you, folks. You're going to stand for it?

Personally, I find it interesting that "Maria Talks" is under the auspices of the "Health and Human Services" Director JudyAnn Bigby, don't you?

Thursday, July 21, 2011

I saw this Medjugorje-related post on Facebook and truly pray that it refers to unbelievers in Christ, rather than those of us who have serious doubts about the apparitions of Our Lady to some kids in Yugoslavia.

For those from Mars, a bit o' background: ;-)

On June 24, 1981, six children in the town of Medjugorje, Yugoslavia (today, Bosnia-Herzegovina), began to experience phenomena which they alleged to be apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This apparition had a message of peace for the world, as well as a call to conversion, prayer and fasting. It also entrusted to the children secret messages about events to be fulfilled in the future. These "secrets," confided individually to different visionaries, have not been revealed to the public. The apparitions themselves have continued almost daily since 1981, with some of the now young adults continuing to experience them regularly (those who have not yet received all the secrets intended for them) and others not. Originally they occurred on a hilltop near the town where a large Cross commemorating the Redemption exists. They have since occurred in many other places, including the parish church, St. James, and wherever the visionaries happen to be located at the time of the apparition. (compliments of EWTN)

Here's what scares me and prompts me to pray:

There are some people—the visionaries of course, but thousands of pilgrims—who Truly Believe in the Medjugorje apparitions. I have heard and spoken to many, many good folk who have traveled there, returning with (and I don't doubt their testimony, by the way) Rosaries that have been turned into gold, healings (both physical, and perhaps, spiritual...perhaps) and a myriad of "miracles."

I put "miracles in quotes because I'm not sure from whence these "miracles" derive. Hence, my prayers.

I'm afraid for people who have put all their faith in Medjugorje.

I'm afraid that, if—and this is a very plausible "if"—the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, receives and reports the revelation that the "apparitions" at Medjugorje are either not real at all, or, perhaps worse, the work of demonic activity (don't HIT me! It's possible!)? I fear the loss of faith in the Church of Jesus Christ...something even the most devoted Medjugorje pilgrim, I would hope, find appalling. At least, Our Lady would.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

In Muslim countries like Pakistan, many of the young men begin studying the Koran as soon as they can read. In fact, many of them learn to read using the Koran. They read and discuss the Koran every day, for hours each day, every day of the week until they know it by heart. Many of them can recite whole sections of the Koran without thinking. Little by little, like water dripping on a stone, it shapes their whole view of the world—what’s right and what’s wrong; what’s important and what’s not.

Here in America, we have a similar kind of training. It’s called television. The typical American spends between three and seven hours a day watching TV and sees well over 2 million commercials in the course of a lifetime.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Father Roger Landry wrote a very loving piece...far, FAR better than I could have expressed it, but putting into words what I've tried to express...and what I've tried so hard to tell myself.

One piece -- of many! -- struck me:

Gay pride is an expression that embraces something far different than respect for all those with same-sex attractions. Rather it connotes: treating same-sex activity as a quasi-sacrament to be celebrated instead of a sin to be confessed; approval and advocacy of same-sex relationships, lifestyle, unions, and "marriages;" rejection and ridicule of Biblical and magisterial teaching on human sexuality; and acceptance of a deeply-flawed anthropology that totally marginalizes the meaning of God's having made the human person in His image and likeness male and female (Gen 1:27).

Friday, July 08, 2011

So, anyway, Father Unni, pastor of Saint Cecilia's Parish in Boston, and his parishioners, have evidently got their way in being allowed to "celebrate" Mass this Sunday to "celebrate" the "LGBT" community.

(Parenthetically, I've got a question: what do the sexual preferences of people have to do with transgendered folk? I never quite understood that.)

From the website (and yes, it is from the parish website...please don't tell me it's a "link" okay? It's right on the home page):

Please join the entire Saint Cecilia parish community for next Sunday's eleven o'clock liturgy where we will reaffirm that Saint Celia is a place of welcome for all, including the LGBT community.

Okay, what's wrong with this paragraph?

First of all, I believe the Sunday "liturgy" is called a "Mass."

That said, the purpose of a "Mass," at least for Catholics, isn't to "reaffirm" anything except the Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Who isn't even mentioned in the notice, by the way) and to celebrate the fact that His Sacrifice is repeated, and that, through the words of His priest, His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity is made present under the species of bread and wine.

This is a bleeping MIRACLE, folks! And it isn't even mentioned. The notice seems to be glorifying the wrong people.

But wait...there's more!

In order to mark the occasion, Mass will be followed by a reception and a bountiful table. [And then it goes on to ask for help to provide foo for the "feast," yadda, yadda, yadda.]

This is all wrong.

Forget the fact that sin seems to be the star of the show. I mean, taken as it is, maybe they're merely saying "we welcome everybody who happens to be sexually attracted to the same gender, those who are attracted to their own gender and also to the opposite sex, and, while we're at it, those who truly believe they're not the gender they find themselves strapped into."

Maybe. (I doubt that, to be honest with you, but it's nice to think I might be wrong in my doubts.)

The real question is this:

When and why did we start "celebrating" all sorts of things other than Jesus Christ?

I mean, we have Masses to "celebrate" everything from long-time married couples, to the Boy Scouts, to those Who Have Contributed to The Church, to All Those Varied But Worthy Causes—well, the list goes on.

And so, this whole SNAFU has gotten me thinking (ouch! my head!):

Why don't we slow down, stop dislocating our shoulders by patting ourselves on the back, and remember what the Mass is all about?

If we're not ready, or catechized enough, to even acknowledge the sacred mystery of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, then we're damn well not ready to start sharing the stage—or, in many cases, including evidently this one—to usurp the celebration of the most loving God-made-Man.

You know, there's another option:

Most celebrants offer their Masses for a special intention, which is generally announced before the Mass begins, or perhaps during the Eucharistic prayer, or in the Prayers of the Faithful, or all three.

Can't we just stick to that? As in: "This holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the unification of all Christians." Or "This Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the intentions of the Boy Scouts of America." Or "This Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for all married couples celebrating their [fill in the number] anniversary." Or "This Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for those who are living with same-gender attraction."

You get my point.

May we consider the notion of keeping the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass as the celebration of Christ's Sacrifice for us...and leave the partying for a time more appropriate?

Thursday, July 07, 2011

I admit that I have not been following the Casey Anthony trial at all but of the little I know of it, it is sad that another young life was lost at the whim of her mother. I do have to wonder though, if it were just two years earlier, and the mother facilitated for someone to help birth the baby somewhat, then take a pair of scissors to the back of the baby's skull, then have the baby' brains sucked out before crushing the skull, Casey might have been heralded as a heroine activist for feminine rights.

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Okay, a Protestant lady I know slightly—she's involved in ministry—and I were chatting casually about a Catholic priest who's a mutual friend. The lady clearly thinks the world of him, which was nice enough to hear. But then she said:

"I just love Father X. He truly makes me wish I could become a Catholic priest."

Then she shrugged away the notion and went about her business, saying breezily something like "of course, your Church won't let me."

I wish her sentence would've stopped at the word "Catholic."

This has been bothering me all day. Should it? I truly don't know.

"Father, Your Son has asked that we ask you to send workers in Your harvest. Grant that I be the sort of Catholic others will want to emulate. In the Name of Jesus. Amen."

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Hello Indiana and all the ships at sea! Breaking news bulletin? [yawn] Your state Planned Parenthood organization has been [yawn] once again caught in a [yawn] bleeping LIE!

The crickets are cheeping not because this boring per se...but because it's so bleeping predictable. Planned Parenthood was built on lies, has operating on lies, and continues to operate on lies.

Founded on the notion that A Better World could be obtained by eliminating, or at least "controlling," the population of blacks, the disabled, the mentally challenged, and other "undesirables," Planned Parenthood has a knack for getting itself caught in everything from child sex trafficking to being merely stupid. All to worship the baal called Abortion which, of course, is murder but in the PP dictionary is described as a "woman's right." Crap, right? 'Course it is.

The latest? Back in May...

...when threatened with the loss of your money and my money funding its monstrous activities, the outraged organization sent out a press release on behalf of its Indiana "projects." Included in the hissy fit was this interesting tidbit [read: LIE]:

The law [defunding PP] deprives Medicaid patients of their choice of health care provider in violation of federal law.

As if anybody with a brain needed to know this (and evidently, folks do!) Live Action did what they do best...exposed the lie.

Get this, folks, in Indiana and elsewhere: NO WOMAN needs Planned Parenthood, be they Medicaid patients or ordinary folk to obtain preventative health care!

Tell me, ladies...if the local baby killer in your city folded, would you be screaming that you would no longer be able to obtain, say, a pelvic or mammogram? Didn't think so.

In other news—surprise!—President Obama is apparently threatening to cut off poor folk from health care unless legislators take note of his stamping and screaming temper tantrum and give the baby-incinerators the dough they want.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Can you imagine a greater joy -- outside of meeting God, naturally -- than to meet someone you've "sponsored" to Heaven...in Heaven?

We all know that there are super organizations -- PLAN comes to mind, but there are many others -- who give us the opportunity to "adopt" a child, or adult, and monetarily, and with loving letters and gifts and so on, help this person on his or her journey through this life.

But what about eternal life???

The plan is simple. I'm assuming you pray daily for your deceased loved ones. This plan helps you pray someone you don't even know into Heaven!

Where to find them?

You can find them anywhere. An obvious source is a church. How many stained glass windows, for example, have you admired? Look closer. Chances are, there are those who've dedicated that window -- or statue, or font, or candle, or, for you priests, the sacred vessels -- to a deceased loved one. There you go -- that's your "sponsored soul." Or, if you're browsing through the paper, or reading the news on the Net, or overhear someone on the subway talk about a deceased friend or relative...need I go on? The fact is, a gazillion people die every day. This, then, is our fodder.

Yeah, I know, we're busy...and yet...

By asking the Holy Spirit to help you, you will come across somebody -- anybody -- who would greatly appreciate your prayers. And if you forget to pray for him or her or several? Not to worry! Jesus, through His Spirit, will surely remind you. I know. I've been blessed with these reminders for years, and I'm so grateful to Jesus for them that I could just kiss Him!

No kidding. I'll be reading a book, or blogging, or doing a crossword puzzle, or whatever and suddenly Mr. So-and-So and/or Ms. What's-Her-Name will jar my mind and I know, without a doubt, it's God reminding me of my commitment.

When this happens to you, thank the Lord!

And then offer a brief prayer for your adopted soul(s). I guarantee you, you -- and they -- will be abundantly rewarded!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

WASHINGTON — Alarmed by a shortage of primary care doctors, Obama administration officials are recruiting a team of “mystery shoppers” to pose as patients, call doctors’ offices and request appointments to see how difficult it is for people to get care when they need it.

The government could survey consumers directly, but patients may not accurately recall how long it took to get an appointment, and their estimates could be colored by their satisfaction with the doctor, researchers said.

Let me understand this. The government could ask consumers directly, but, gee, they might've been satisfied with the service and therefore their opinions would be "colored?"

I understand that there's a shortage of physicians. What I don't understand is why hassling them is going to improve the problem.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

I'm linking this blog to a rather lengthy article. So, no offense, but all you "progressive catholic folk" may have trouble reading it. I ask to you to try. There really aren't any big words.

A key paragraph, regarding that old wheeze that Pius XII was "Hitler's Pope:"

Curiously, nearly everyone pressing this line today—from the ex-seminarians John Cornwell and Garry Wills to the ex-priest James Carroll—is a lapsed or angry Catholic. For Jewish leaders of a previous generation, the campaign against Pius XII would have been a source of shock. During and after the war, many well-known Jews—Albert Einstein, Golda Meir, Moshe Sharett, Rabbi Isaac Herzog, and innumerable others—publicly expressed their gratitude in Pius. In his 1967 book Three Popes and the Jews, the diplomat Pinchas Lapide (who served as Israeli consul in Milan and interviewed Italian Holocaust survivors) declared Pius XII “was instrumental in saving at least 700,000, but probably as many as 860,000 Jews from certain death at Nazi hands.”

Thursday, June 23, 2011

(...for you those of you who actually like shows like "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," the word is synonymous with easier words like "pure," and "utter," along with phrases like "out-and-out")...

...crap about the Catholic Church and Galileo.

Now personally? I never watched that Olbermann guy when he was on real TV and wouldn't dream of troubling myself to watch him on—what's it called?—oh yeah, "Current TV."

Neither, evidently, would the Catholic League's Bill Donohue, but somebody in his organization taped the silly show and got Bill's dander up. With good reason, I guess, although most "thinking" Catholics I know are hip to The Galileo Myth. And The Inquisition Myth. And so and and so on.

(I love using the adjective "thinking" in the correct way to describe Catholics, by the way..."progressives?" Do take note. And hey, folks, guess what? Research and libraries have been invented and there's even talk about something called The Internet coming along to make fact-checking a little easier.)

On last night's edition of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," the host claimed that Galileo was punished by the Catholic Church for "his belief that the earth orbited the sun and not the other way around." He also said that "the Church acknowledged errors had been committed in assessing Galileo's scientific beliefs. They did that in 1992."

Commenting on this is Catholic League president Bill Donohue:

It is not for nothing that Olbermann's new show is drawing such phenomenal advertisers like "Furniture Fix" and "Gyro Bowl." Indeed, whenever a show has to rely on junk products for revenue (the sure give-away is when they advertise that the buyer gets "two for the price of one"), it's an ominous sign. More than ominous is the intellectual acuity of Olbermann.

The fact is that the belief that the earth revolves around the sun was first broached by Copernicus, in 1543, and that was many moons before Galileo was even born. Copernicus not only did not get into trouble with the Catholic Church—he was a priest. Moreover, when Galileo first floated Copernicus' idea, he was bestowed with medals and gifts by Pope Urban VIII. What got him censured was his arrogance: Galileo argued that his hypothesis was a scientific fact, something which even the scientific community of his day scoffed at. It is instructive that Father Roger Boscovich didn't get into hot water with the Church at the time, and yet he also explored Copernican ideas.

It is false to say that in 1992 the Catholic Church acknowledged errors in dealing with Galileo. That happened in 1741 when Pope Benedict XIV granted an imprimatur to the first edition of the completed works of Galileo. What happened in 1992 was the release of a Pontifical Academy report on the controversy.

If Olbermann were simply wrong, that would be one thing. But it was his snide delivery that was really offensive. Glad we taped his new show—we knew it wouldn't be long before he threw a low-blow at the Catholic Church.